Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. I have loved thee with an everlasting love] ûytbha µlw[ tbhaw veahabath olam ahabtich, "and with the old love I have loved thee."Also, with a love of long standing have I loved thee."-Blayney.
"But I love thee always."-Dahler. I still bear to the Jewish people that love which I showed to their fathers in Egypt, in the wilderness, and in the promised land. Can it be supposed, by any person seriously considering the context, that these words are spoken of God's decree of election in behalf of the Jews? Those who make it such, act most injudiciously on their own principle; for, how few of the Jews have ever given evidence that they were the children of God, from their restoration from Babylon to the present day! The words refer simply to their state as a people, most wondrously preserved by the providence and mercy of God, as a standing proof of the Divine authority of the Scriptures, and as an evidence of God's displeasure against sin.
Therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.] "Therefore have I lengthened out mercy to thee."-Blayney, C'est pourquoi je t'ai conserve ma grace. Dahler.
"Therefore I have preserved my grace to thee." The exiles, who had not for a long time received any proofs of the Divine protection, are represented as deploring their state; but God answers, that though this may seem to be the case, he has always loved them; and this continued love he will show by bringing them out of their captivity.
However creeds may fare, this is the sense of the passage; all the context proves this.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Troubles which shall be before the restoration of Israel. (Jer 30:1-11) Encouragement to trust Divine promises. (Jer. 30:12-17) The blessings under Christ, and the wrath on the wicked. (Jer. 30:18-24)
Jer. 30:1-11 Jeremiah is to write what God had spoken to him. The very words are such as the Holy Ghost teaches. These are the words God ordered to be written; and promises written by his order, are truly his word. He must write a description of the trouble the people were no in, and were likely to be in. A happy end should be put to thes calamities. Though the afflictions of the church may last long, the shall not last always. The Jews shall be restored again. They shal obey, or hearken to the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of David, their King. The deliverance of the Jews from Babylon, is pointed out in the prophecy, but the restoration and happy state of Israel and Judah, when converted to Christ their King, are foretold; also the miseries of the nations before the coming of Christ. All men must honour the Son a they honour the Father, and come into the service and worship of God by him. Our gracious Lord pardons the sins of the believer, and breaks of the yoke of sin and Satan, that he may serve God without fear, in righteousness and true holiness before him all the remainder of his days, as the redeemed subject of Christ our King.
Jer. 30:12-17 When God is against a people, who will be for them? Wh can be for them, so as to do them any kindness? Incurable griefs ar owing to incurable lusts. Yet, though the captives suffered justly, an could not help themselves, the Lord intended to appear for them, and to punish their oppressors; and he will still do so. But every effort to heal ourselves must prove fruitless, so long as we neglect the heavenl Advocate and sanctifying Spirit. The dealings of His grace with ever true convert, and every returning backslider, are the same in effect a his proceedings to the Jews.
Jer. 30:18-24 We have here further intimations of the favour of God for them after the days of their calamity have expired. The proper work an office of Christ, as Mediator, is to draw near unto God, for us, as the High Priest of our profession. His own undertaking, in compliance with his Father's will, and in compassion to fallen man, engaged him. Jesu Christ was, in all this, truly wonderful. They shall be taken agai into covenant with the Lord, according to the covenant made with their fathers. "I will be your God:" it is his good-will to us, which is the summary of that part of the covenant. The wrath of God against the wicked is very terrible, like a whirlwind. The purposes of his wrath as well as the purposes of his love, will all be fulfilled. God wil comfort all that turn to him; but those who approach him must have their hearts engaged to do it with reverence, devotion, and faith. Ho will they escape who neglect so great salvation _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew מרחוק7350 יהוה3068 נראה7200 לי ואהבת160 עולם5769 אהבתיך157 על5921 כן3651 משׁכתיך4900 חסד׃2617
